How fast do surface ocean currents usually move?

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World map showing major ocean current systems, with arrows indicating the direction and speed of warm and cold currents in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Southern, and Arctic Oceans. Warm currents are marked in red and cold currents in blue, with currents labeled by name and symbols denoting those that reverse direction seasonally. A legend explains current speed categories and color codes. — ocean current Major ocean current systems of the world.

Surface ocean currents typically move at speeds ranging from 5 to 50 centimetres (about 2 to 20 inches) per second. However, the magnitude of horizontal currents can vary significantly, ranging from a few centimetres per second to as much as 4 metres (about 13 feet) per second.1

Specific currents, such as the Gulf Stream, can exhibit much higher velocities. For instance, as the Gulf Stream passes through the Straits of Florida, its velocity can exceed 3.5 knots (about 6.5 kilometres or 4 miles per hour). In its more intense stages, the Gulf Stream's maximum velocity is typically between 1 and 2 metres (about 3 to 7 feet) per second. Generally, these currents diminish in intensity as depth increases.231